TOWN CLOSES IN ON FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR NEW LIBRARY, ARENA

MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION RAISED TOWARD $1.7-MILLION GOAL FOR CORTELLUCCI ZANCOR CENTRE

Fiona Ryner hopes her donation helps Wasaga Beach's new public library be all that it can be.

"Our (existing) library already offers great programs, so just think what they could do if they had more space," said Ryner, who has donated $1,000 toward the construction of the town's new twin pad arena and library.

While the town has posted to its social media accounts several donations to the facility from members of the community, ranging in value from $10,000 to $25,000, the person in charge of fundraising for the facility said lots of smaller donations have helped push the total thus far to $1.4 million.

Valerie Dickson said donors have shared stories about the impact the existing facilities have had on their lives, particularly the Wasaga Stars Arena, from folks who had a hand in its construction, to watching their grandchildren on the ice.

"There's meaning for every seat being purchased and every brick being bought," Dickson said. "(Donors) talk about their memories ... I feel very privileged.

"They're naming the seats after the grandparents who were at every game, or past coaches."

The goal was to reach the $1.7-million mark by the time the doors to the $59.9-million facility were opened in September, 2023. However, based on the response from the community, Dickson is confident that target might even be surpassed.

"Traditionally when it comes to fundraising, the community will step up more with the reality of the building coming into place," she said. "More people want to be invested in getting involved."

Donors are also able to spread their donations out

Ian Adams/Metroland over a period of time. Dickson said that's a recognition the last two years have been tough, particularly for business owners who want to donate to the project and have it fit within their bottom line.

"My goal overall was to make it as accessible as possible," she said.

Out of the 28 "larger assets" donors could contribute to — such as the name of the building, which will be Cortellucci Zancor Centre in recognition of that company's $1-million donation — there are only six left.

Dickson has also donated to the campaign.

"I stand behind this project," she said.

Ryner said the facility could become a real hub for the community.

"That was my interest in the library, and I think the arena is a great idea, too," she said. "I think it will bring new families to the town, stimulate new homes and new businesses — and that will bring jobs.

"I just think this whole project is just fantastic."

For more information on donating to the facility, go to wb-legacy.ca.